Christmas in Colonial Virginia

"Christmas Customs," by Emma L. Powers, reprinted from The Colonial Williamsburg Interpreter, vol. 16, no. 4, winter 1995-96.
"Another Look at Christmas in the Eighteenth Century," by David Desimone, reprinted from The Colonial Williamsburg Interpreter, vol. 16, no. 4, winter 1995-96.
Holiday Wassail and Gingerbread
-from Recipes from the Raleigh Tavern Bake Shop
Attention teachers–the above recipes are included in
"A Colonial Christmas in Williamsburg" lesson plan.

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Gingerbread Houses

The town is rendered in gingerbread once a year at Colonial Williamsburg. Executive Pastry Chef Joe Sciegaj oversees the construction. December 22, 2008

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Christmas in Williamsburg

Doors are decked in Williamsburg's signature style to celebrate the holiday season. Laura Viancour describes the preparations. December 1, 2008

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An Irish Christmas

In clear voice and high spirits, Kelly Kennedy sings Irish Christmas melodies. December 24, 2007

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A Child's-Eye View

Old toy trains and sprawling dollhouses connect imaginations through the span of years. Curator Jan Gilliam has the happy task of laying them out. December 17, 2007

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Christmas Hymns You Thought You Knew

Colonial Williamsburg musician John Turner explains the origins of America's beloved Christmas hymns. December 25, 2006

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Colonial Christmastide Dance

Performing Arts Dance Interpreter Marcy Wright talks about 18th-century dance customs, including instructions that called for kisses and hugs. December 18, 2006

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Games & Interactive
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Crossword Puzzle: Christmas in Prints

from the article "Christmas in Prints" in the Autumn 08 Journal

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Wallpapers
Governor's Palace at Christmas
Wreath decorated with lemons
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Video
The Grand Illumination

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Lighting the Town

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Doors are decked in Williamsburg

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Christiana Campbell's Tavern

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Audio
A Grand Entertainment

Since the first organized Christmas celebration drew visitors to Colonial Williamsburg in 1936, nothing quite matches the beauty, imagination, excitement, pageantry, sights, smells, sounds, and grandeur of the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg.
Christmas Music from Williamsburg

Holiday music of colonial Virginia is presented in a joyous anthology of instrumental selections, including "Organ Noels," variations on "Greensleeves," and dance music for a Christmas ball.
Songs for a Williamsburg Christmas

Carols, motets, hymns, songs, and madrigals reflect the enthusiastic joy and high spirits of Yuletide celebrations in Williamsburg.
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